With that all said, Chicago will surely be a tough test for our unproven Quakes squad. Blanco will definitely be attracting Mexican fans from throughout the Bay Area, making this something in between a home game and road trip. San Jose’s true home opener will be in early May against F.C. Dallas at Buck Shaw in Santa Clara. This means that the Quakes will have to endure three road games (counting the previously played one against L.A.) and one that can’t be considered a true home game to start off their season. It is likely that this will mean a slow start to the season and points will be very hard to come by. However, the key will be if this squad can take this trial by fire and turn it into a unified team spirit, improved chemistry, and valuable experience that can sustain them throughout the rest of the season. A draw against Chicago would not be an unworthy result, all things considered.

Before I go into my pre-game analysis, a few comments are in order. First, congratulations to the fans in Seattle for successfully pushing for the Sounders name. It was an inspiring display of “fan power”, and there is no more worthy name for soccer in Seattle. Choosing a different name would have been a huge mistake, for American soccer should be working to cultivate and perpetuate history, tradition, and a grassroots culture which will be the true basis for the growth of the sport in this country. Second, Michael Ricketts, a former Bolton Wanderers and Middlesbrough stiker was released from trial, his main drawback apparently being work rate. This means that the striker soap opera in San Jose continues, so look for a future column soon where I will try to do my best Sherlock Holmes impression and track down possible strikers wherever they may be hiding. Finally, with almost everyone conceding that Ryan Cochrane’s goal should have stood in last Thursday’s game, Quakes fans are left to ponder what might have been. With the prevalence of questionable calls only two weeks into the season, something must be done to improve the standard of MLS officiating.

Quakes/Chicago Pregame Analysis 04/12/08

Goalkeepers: Jon Busch is Chicago’s net-minder, a solid player with plenty of experience. While not the first to come up in discussions of top MLS goalkeepers, Chicago don’t have to worry about Busch costing them games. A series of injuries slowed him down after performing extremely well for the Columbus Crew. Joe Cannon, despite not having the best of games against L.A. can be relied upon to bounce back. What will be more important than his undeniable goalkeeping skills is his leadership. He needs to help organize and settle down the defense in front of him, providing veteran guidance for a unit that must be solid if the Quakes are to have any chance in this game and season.

Advantage - Quakes

Chicago Forwards vs. Quakes Defense: The most surprising part of last week’s game was the poor play of the San Jose defense, the one area of the team that was supposed to be its unquestionable strength. The skills are there, so this battle will hinge on psychological factors. Can the Quakes defense rebound from last week and show stability and confidence? Can Nick Garcia or Ryan Cochrane step up and organize the defense? The Chicago forwards seem to be firing (no pun intended) on all cylinders, decimating New England 4 - 0 last week. They also have the benefit of receiving stellar service from Blanco. Rolfe (who may be used in midfield), Frankowski, and Barrett are all starting quality forwards who know how to be opportunistic and finish. Chicago seem to have answers in this category while San Jose still have questions.

Advantage - Fire

Quakes Forwards vs. Chicago Defense: The Chicago defense has so far only allowed one goal, yet a unit consisting of players such as Soumare, Segares, and Prideaux still is not convincing, especially without the presence of Conde (the star of Chicago’s defense last season who angered Chicago by asking to follow Osorio to New York). While the jury may still be out on Chicago’s defense, most people are ready to convict San Jose’s forwards and send them to the chair. Salinas seemed lost as a forward, while Kei Kamara was overwhelmed and unable to generate any shots. Glinton has been ineffectual in pre-season and as a sub in last week’s game. Cunliffe has yet to be really utilized. Overall, San Jose’s forwards are doomed to be guilty until proven innocent. I would like to see Kamara and Cunliffe get the start here.

Advantage - Even

Midfield: One word - Blanco. Blanco has been on his game so far, scoring the equalizing goal against Salt Lake and helping to dismantle New England. If the Quakes midfield is as ineffectual in generating pressure and possession as they were last week, this could be a long game. Beyond Blanco, Mapp is able to unlock defenses, as is Rolfe if played in this area of the pitch. Logan Pause fills the vacated boots of Chris Armas, definitely a huge challenge for any player, and he still has work to do in this area. Ronnie O’Brien needs to have a better game than last week if San Jose is to have any chance of creating genuine chances. Grabavoy needs to step up but I fear the opposition may once again be too much for him. Look for Guerrero to put in a committed and top performance against his old team. I would like to see O’Brien moved to the middle, and Salinas allowed to exercise his speed on the right flank, but I don’t see it happening.

Advantage - Fire

Coaches: Yallop’s struggle is a difficult one. The defeat last week was less tactical and one of personnel than a matter of confidence and chemistry. The practices on Thursday and Friday and the mental adjustments he institutes will be where this game can be won. It is a large task to pass on a sense of the Quakes style of soccer, mentality, and history to a newly assembled squad of players (minus Corrales, Cochrane, and Cannon); it is certainly a task which will require more than a couple of weeks. Hamlett has done well so far for the Fire, but is still getting to grips with being fully in charge.

Advantage - Even

Intangibles: Will the Quakes come in with a better sense of themselves and each other, or with rattled confidence and the nerves we saw last week? Will hordes of cheering Blanco fans create an advantage for Chicago, or can Quakes fans help give their team a boost despite having to struggle to make themselves heard? To win, players such as Grabavoy, O’Brien, and Cochrane must rebound from poor showings. More importantly, the whole team must play a possession game which takes the wind out of Chicago’s attack and especially Blanco. Against L.A., the Quakes seemed to be relying on a long-ball game which was ineffectual at best. They need to settle down, learn how to hold the ball, and be patient in building up attacks. Leaders must step up in-game to help the team keep their shape and raise the intensity level of the whole team. Chicago are undefeated after two games, Blanco is on his game, and they are coming off a huge victory. Confidence will not be an issue for them.

Advantage - Fire

Key Man: Ryan Cochrane

San Jose’s strength on paper needs to be their strength on the field. Cochrane’s poor performance last week was not the only or key cause of the Quake’s defensive failure. But Cochrane does need to help work with Nick Garcia to provide a steadying presence in the center of San Jose’s defense. If he plays with calm and confidence, it will spread to the rest of the defense and the rest of the team. Though only 24, as a former Quake, Cochrane must demonstrate leadership. He cannot simply be the solid defender who silently gets the job done.